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As part of our kitchen renovation, we are redoing a powder room. It’s a tiny space, so I’m keeping it neutral and simple, with a little Indian-inspired detailing. Here’s a sneak preview…
My starting point was the Rajapur wallpaper from Cole and Son. I’ve been dying to use this somewhere and decided this was just the space. Tiny rooms always seem larger with wallpaper, and this is subtle enough that we won’t tire of it.
The perfect mirror with this wallpaper is a white pearl inlay design. This particular one is from Serena and Lily, but it may be a little large for the space so I am still on the hunt for something similar. With all this pattern, I wanted simple white glass tiles, white paint and modern fixtures.
Here’s hoping we get started on the work soon so I don’t change my mind again…
1. Wisp White paint, Benjamin Moore; 2. Orbit lamp; 3. Mirror by Serena and Lily; 4. Dish (for soap) by John Robshaw; 5. Vessel sink by Porcelanosa; 6. Cabinet door pull in nickel; 7. Floating walnut vanity; 8. Kohler wall-mounted faucet; 9. White glass tile backsplash; 10. Flint floor tile; 11. Rajapur wallpaper by Cole and Son.
With their intricate tilework, scalloped arches, hammered silver lanterns and cool courtyards, Moroccan riads are a decorator’s idea of pure escapism. Not many urban homes can get away with these features, but that doesn’t mean we can’t admire them and draw inspiration. I particularly like these more muted black and white riads, not only because they exude calm, but also because they allow the details to really stand out.
What do you think? How would you incorporate Moroccan style into a home?
2. Via Simply Home Designs
3. Via The Style Files
I’m on a quest for the perfect paint color for our dining room. It will be redecorated after the kitchen renovation and I’m planning a neutral scheme, enlivened with plenty of pattern. The big challenge is finding the perfect taupe. I want to go with darker walls for a bit more drama, and have decided charcoal will be too gray but don’t want to veer too much toward brown. I’ve found some good sources of inspiration though.
Via LiveBreathDecor.
Via This is Glamorous.
If anyone can recommend the perfect shade for me, I will be indebted to them!
This is for those of you who are passionate about color. Christian Zuzunaga is a graphic artist who uses pixels to create stunning visual designs, usually representations of cityscapes.
Zuzunaga’s designs have been turned in various textiles, including rugs, scarves and cushions, many of which are available for purchase in his online store. My favorite are these cushions. Such a simple concept yet it needs flawless execution and artistry to work – both of which these textiles clearly have. There are several collections: Fire, Soul, Spirit, Luna, Venus and Mercury. I’d opt for the warm and harmonious tones of the Soul collection (above and below):
Zuzunaga has also designed unique textiles for brands such as Ligne Roset and exhibited his work in galleries as prestigious as the Tate Gallery.
If you’d like a little pixel art in your living room, this is an affordable and unique option. Personally, I will be finding a space for the cherry red and pink versions as soon as possible…
If truth be told, I’m a little scared of house plants. I think it’s the commitment required. Plants often come with a sizable price tag, they need caring for, and there’s always the possibility that they’ll become too big or just start dropping leaves. It can also be hard to choose a plant that fits your style and that you won’t tire of. But, if you can handle all that, they’re worth it. Not only do plants bring a beautiful sculptural element into your space, but it is said they remove toxins, reduce noise and alleviate stress too. What’s not to love?
So, for other plant-phobes out there, here are three easy ways to introduce stylish greenery into your home.
1. The plant of designers: the fiddle-leaf fig
I haven’t done the research, but I bet that if you leafed (sorry) through the past five years of Elle Decor, the most frequently-sighted plant would be a fiddle-leaf fig. It’s a clear favorite with interior designers because of its sculptural qualities. With large glossy leaves, it works in modern and classic schemes, as well as those with an artistic or global vibe. It always makes a statement.. (Photos 1 and 2 above by William Waldron via Elle Decor; photo 3 via RDuJour)
2. Splendid succulents
Via Haus Design. Anyone can grow a succulent. Well, anyone that doesn’t live in Alaska that is. I was converted into a fan of succulents after planting a few in terracotta pots in our garden – and watching them develop into interesting shapes and colors throughout the year (with barely any effort from me). Indoors, they make striking table centers, windowsill arrangements or even wall decor. They’re fun for kids to look after too.
The table setting above is actually from a wedding. If you are still unconvinced about the beauty of succulents, take a look at the photos of this stunning event, via photographer Stephanie Williams’ site. You won’t be disappointed. As a taster, look: succulents even make gorgeous bouquets and hair adornments!
3. If in doubt, arrange some leafy branches
Via Bromeliad. I’m sure my third tip will be met with derision as it’s not technically about plants. But, if you crave some greenery and are strictly low-commitment, an arrangement of leaves and branches is a great option. Much more modern and effortless than a floral display, these bursts of greenery can really inject life into a scheme.
Via Canadian House and Home. Whether in a contemporary or traditional setting, a simple glass vase with a branch of bright green leaves is an easy way to add energy, height and interest.
Any other tips for those of us without green thumbs?
One of the things keeping me busy this summer was an amazing vacation in Virginia where the boys enjoyed all sorts of traditional ‘boy’ activities such as crabbing, fishing, building sandcastles, foraging for bugs (of which there were plenty) and the like. Meanwhile, the girls, took advantage of being officially in the South and escaped to the local quilting store.
Now, I’m no quilt expert (in fact, I can barely sew on a button), but I know a piece of textile art when I see one. So you can imagine how pleased I was, on my return, to find an email introducing me to a fabulous online textile store, Darjeeling Cotton.
This is my favorite of the patchwork quilts on offer. Bold, simple colors and a classic design that would look great in a girl’s bedroom or even in a modern family room.
The handblock quilts are also stunning. I particularly like the Crimson Buti range (above).
The Flower Garden design (above) is a little more traditional but would be stunning against white sheets. Indian handblock prints are very ‘of-the-moment’ – and for good reason. They look fresh, authentic and pretty, while giving any space an eclectie, personal touch.
Best of all, for every quilt sold Darjeeling Cotton donates $12 toward educating a child in a developing country. So you can feel good while indulging in something beautiful for your home…
Ten days ago, I became an aunt again. (Hurray! Welcome to the world, baby R!) Of course, any new baby in the family is an excuse to think about nurseries, so this seems an appropriate time to share my own experience on the nursery design front. While looking for inspiration for our own two kids’ rooms over the years, I have realized that very few of the articles about nursery design tell you what you really need to know. The fact is, bringing a new baby home for the first time is a stressful experience. As I found out with our two babies, all those little design decisions I had thought so brilliant in my nesting phase, turned out to be completely impractical the minute we got home.
So, for the sake of any other moms-to-be out there, here is my ‘no-nonsense’, ‘tell it how it is’, ‘the stuff your own mother never told you’, guide to nursery design. Before I launch into this, I should say that I’m basing it on my own experience and that of my friends who are moms. I’m no baby nurse, child development expert or safety guru. Just a mother with an acute memory of the initial few weeks of our children’s lives…
Ok, you know the basic nursery set up: crib, rocker, changing table, lamp, rug. What else should you know?
Rule 1: keep calm
No, not you. You can accept now that you won’t be in serene maternal bliss the entire time. I mean the room. For the first few weeks of a baby’s life, he/she just can’t handle too much stimulation. Yes, they need interesting things to look at. But, one thing at a time is enough. You know the feeling when you go into a new store that’s packed with things you absolutely love and you don’t know where to look first? Your heartbeat increases and your eyes are on stalks. That’s what it feels like to a new baby all the time. So spare the poor thing and keep it calm and simple. If you put a mobile over the bed, ideally you should be able to detach it or move it away when the baby needs some peace. Don’t cram the space with bouncing, bopping, twirling, tweeting, musical things. All baby needs for entertainment is you, so edit the rest.
Rule 2: clear the surfaces
You’ve picked out some adorable trinkets to make your baby’s room just perfect. Now, here’s the thing: when you get home from the hospital, you will sweep all those cute knick knacks into the nearest drawer and load up every surface with diapers, tissues and feeding supplies. You’ll be surprised at how much space all this paraphernalia takes up. Wherever you are in the room, these things need to be within arm’s reach. Anything that gets in the way will just be an annoyance. I know you don’t believe me now, but you will. The one exception here is a clock. You will need one of these to time feeds. Get one you can read in the middle of the night when the lights are dim.
Rule 3: the rocker is your best friend
Maybe your baby won’t like, or need, rocking. Maybe you will be very lucky and get a good sleeper. But chances are, at some point, you will be willing to try anything and pay any amount to get your baby to sleep. If, for aesthetic reasons, you have chosen to go with a chair that doesn’t rock, you will regret that decision. Now, rockers are like sleeper sofas: over-priced, usually ugly and never as comfortable as an ordinary chair. But, when you’re feeding, their true meaning in life is suddenly revealed. You will be thankful for that upright back and those big arm rests that seemed so ugly in the store. I should also add a note on cushioning here. For the first few weeks, it’ll be difficult enough to sit down on anything, let alone a hard, cold, plastic surface. So, whatever you do, please don’t buy an Eames rocker. Yes, they look fabulous, but, at 3am, when it’s cold and you’re sore, you will wish for the monstrous, but comfy, rocker you eschewed earlier. ‘Ah’, you say, ‘but I have thought of that and will have a lovely sheepskin rug over my Eames chair’. Yes, and that will look wonderful. It will not, however, help you when you’re into your second straight hour of nursing and your nodding head is desperately seeking something comfortable to rest on. (I’m sure hundreds of Eames-owning moms out there will disagree…)
Rule 4: cater for your support team
Hopefully, you won’t have to do all the feeding, bathing and rocking yourself. If your other half/best friend/mother are there to help, you will need space for them too. Your nursery probably won’t be big enough for two chairs, but that is why the ottoman was invented. Yes, you bought it imagining you’d be lying back, feet up, blissfully cradling your child. Maybe in time. But in the first six weeks, that space will mainly be occupied by your husband or some other valiant helper, who will be manically flipping through the pages of the baby care manual searching for answers, while you struggle to master the art of feeding.
Rule 5: control noise and light
Your baby doesn’t really care what the nursery looks like, but he/she does care what it sounds and feels like. The key here is to be able to vary sound, heating and light easily. Firstly, you’ll want to be able to block out daylight for naps. Whatever napping philosophy you subscribe to, there’s no doubt that getting baby used to sleeping in the dark and being awake in the light, is a good idea. At the very least, you want to avoid bright sunlight interrupting his or her sleep. So, a blackout shade is ideal, plus drapes to cover the edges of the shade around which light will seep. I’d also highly recommend a dimmer switch for your lamp, for more soothing night-time lighting.
Controlling noise is critical. We found playing bird and water sounds was quite effective at calming our child and getting him to sleep. Not all babies go for it. Some friends swear by white noise machines. But the aspect I wanted to talk about here is the unforeseen, annoying noises that keep your child awake – but can be avoided. For example, that crib with the drop down side you thought was such a clever idea. The theory is great: you feed the baby, he drops off to sleep, you ease out of your chair and lower the crib side to place him gently on the mattress… Now, when you test this in the store, try lowering the crib side with just your foot. Does it glide noiselessly down? No. It falls into place with a resounding crash. Now your baby is awake and you have to start again. Similarly, when you test that rocker, try getting out of it, without using your arms. First of all, can you even get out? Assuming you can, does the whole thing creak? If so, forget it. I know these seem like small things, but, believe me, they could mean an extra few hours of sleep for you so are well worth investigating.
As you can see, in the first few weeks, practicality really does rule. That doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics – far from it. But my advice is to make sure you put comfort (yours and baby’s) at the top of the list.
Credits:
1, 2 and 4 – Coochicoos; 3 and 5 – Sarah Richardson Design
I am a huge fan of neutral interiors. Huge. Those people who say beige is boring can’t have seen it done right. To me, nothing is more soothing and elegant than a beautifully balanced scheme with whites, grays, taupes, chocolates and charcoals. So this post is both a defense and a celebration of neutral interiors. Here (in no particular order) are my top ten all-time favorite neutral interiors.
1. Contemporary cool
My number one room is actually two adjoining rooms, designed by Charlie & Co Design in Minneapolis (via Houzz). Each has a slightly different feel but the overall effect is very cohesive. I love the concrete fireplace, tan leather sofas and mixed material cabinetry.
2. Eclectic organic
Entry halls are difficult to make interesting because there’s limited space for furniture and accessories. So making the most of the surfaces is important. This hallway uses an eclectic mix of Moroccan-inspired tiled floors, period molding and organic materials and shapes such as the branch mirror (and the woodblock table and Jonathan Adler lamp in the adjoining room) to make a stunning neutral space. Apply the same lessons to other spaces and use pattern and texture to liven up a neutral interior. Via The Marion House Book.
3. Modern lodge
I’ve featured this room before but had to include it here because it’s such a great example of neutrals done right. The only splash of ‘color’ is in two tiny pillows, but this space is anything but drab. That’s because the color actually comes from the use of lots of honey-hued wood. Interesting shapes and lots of tactile materials such as linen, rope (or cane?) chairs and felt. House designed by John Maniscalco Architecture via Houzz.
4. Fashionable classic
Here’s a neutral space with a completely different vibe. This is the former living room of fashion designer Collette Dinnigan, featured in Elle Decor (via LiveBreatheDecor). There’s virtually no color here at all (unless, is that a pale lilac throw…?) and yet the space is both interesting and beautiful. The pale furniture lets the period fireplace take center stage, while the modern floor lamp keeps it all from looking too saccharine sweet. If you have a strong feature like this mantelpiece, an uncluttered neutral scheme – with plenty of negative space to let it breathe – is a good way to make the most of it.
5. Upscale artistic
This space is a work of art – and not just because of the huge canvases. I love the herringbone wood floors, gently curving staircase, uneven turned wood floor lamp and the balance of black, white and beige. This is a great example of how unique shapes can enliven a very straightforward color scheme. The bentwood ball, on the other hand, just makes me think of tumbleweed… Via Canadian House and Home
6. Urban luxury
No neutral round-up would be complete without a room from the Queen of Taupe herself, Kelly Hoppen. This designer is renowned for her stunningly luxurious interiors, characterized by acres of taupe linen, black wood and polished crystal. I personally like her own London loft (above) best as it’s more accessible and yet still inspirational. This is one room to study if you want to know how to make beige sumptuous.
7. Nature-inspired
One way to bring a neutral interior to life is with lots of plants. The greenery adds color without it actually ‘counting’ as color. I love the way this contemporary space uses frothy ferns, a hide rug and sequined pillows to make a more industrial loft friendly and inviting. Via Apartment Therapy
8. Understated glamor
The thing about neutral spaces is that you can go completely OTT on glamor, but it will never look kitschy. Take this stunning apartment, featured in Lonny Magazine. Opulent chandelier? Check. Herringbone hide rug? Check. Faux antlers? Check. Both Bertoia AND Calvin chairs? Of course. This is the epitome of glamor and yet it’s tasteful (and gorgeous) because the palette is so subtle.
9. Relaxed Californian
Well, if you know me, you know I love this room and come back to it time and time again. OF course, it’s the living room of Julie from Remodelista. What do I not love about this space? White cathedral ceilings, wood shelves, an Eames rocker. But the reason I think it’s a great example of a neutral room is that it shows how the right layout and the emphasis on a few key features (in this case the shelving) can make all the difference.
10. Hamptons classic
Where else to search for the ultimate neutral interior than a designer’s Hamptons retreat? This is the home of Thomas O’Brien, via Habitually Chic, and is a great example of how different warm whites, layered expertly, with a little dark brown or black to anchor it, can create a casually-styled look. O’Brien is a collector at heart and his rooms always have an inspiring mix of pieces – from stacked books to unusual lamps. If you want to make a neutral space warm and personal, start here.
So, what have I missed? Any other stunning neutral spaces that should make it into the top ten list?
This has to be one of the most beautiful tile collections I’ve ever seen.
It’s from Maybury Home, a British company that specializes in mother-of-pearl tiles. I ordered some samples and can assure you they’re just as stunning in real life as in the pictures. I’m particularly enamored with the gray herringbone…
…and the gold mosaic (but beware, the mosaic pieces are really tiny so, although they are mounted on a single 2×2 inch tile for easy installation, the effect is very intricate):
I am definitely keeping these in mind for the bathroom renovation…
Wow. It’s been weeks, months even, since I posted last. Real life took over and I ended up with barely a moment to myself, let alone the time needed to blog. But it hasn’t all been hard work, travel, and family! I’ve actually been pretty busy with a few design projects. So I thought I’d end my blogging hiatus with a brief round-up.
Thank you’s and mentions
I’ve been honored to be featured on several fabulous blogs and web sites in the past few week. Natalie Myers of SoSmartalec, featured our house on Houzz.
BabyLifestyle.com did a cute piece on our youngest son’s nursery.
And Alice in Designland featured a photo tour of our house. Thank you all for your kind mentions.
Our kitchen renovation
Believe it or not, we still haven’t broken ground on our renovation. But it’s close, I promise! Most of the design choices have been made. I’ve changed my ideas somewhat since this post. But, the core elements remain the same. I will provide more detail in later posts, but, for now, here’s the image that has been the cornerstone of inspiration (via this site).
Yes, I know, it’s not a kitchen. But here’s what I like: it combines period architecture with mid-century and modern furniture and elegant neutral colors. It’ll be great, honestly…. As a sneak preview, here’s the color palette.
There’s silver travertine (for the backsplash tiles), white quartz, walnut shelves, matte white cabinets, and flint tile flooring. The palette has moved on since my last post on this topic, the reason being that I decided to stay more in keeping with the period architecture of the house, while still creating a contemporary look.
I’ve also been working on some designs for friends, family and readers. Oh, and our company is planning a new office so that’s at the back of my mind too.
So it’s been busy round here. But at least there will be lots to update on in the next few weeks. Watch this space…
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